James “Cyclops” Marsden Joins Russell Brand in “I Hop”

January 25, 2010 - By Ben Pearson

The Easter Bunny sure is a busy creature these days. He’s got appearances lined up in three upcoming films, and in two of those he plays the lead role. Want a refresher? Here are the three projects: Leonardo DiCaprio will be voicing Jack Frost in The Guardians, a “mythical figure teamup” flick featuring Jack Frost, Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman. Another is called Hip Hop, a Sony Animation movie in which the egg-wielding bunny wants to retire and hides out as a pet with a normal family. And finally we’ve got I Hop, the live action/CGI hybrid wherein Russell Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) voices the Easter Bunny.

Tonight, we turn our attention to I Hop. James Marsden has joined the cast as a slacker who runs over the Easter Bunny with his car and is forced to take his place as the bunny recovers. Sounds suspiciously like The Santa Clause to me. Tim Hill, the director of another live action/CG hybrid, Alvin and the Chipmunks, is set to direct in the fall. The script was written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, the writing team behind the upcoming animated Steve Carell-starrer Despicable Me. I Hop hits theaters on March 4th, 2011.

I think it’s safe to assume Brand will do a fine job with the voice work here; if Sarah Marshall was any indication, he has a bright future ahead of him. Marsden was pretty fantastic in the little-seen 2008 flick Sex Drive, and it appears he’s returning to comedy in the Death at a Funeral remake. Personally, I’d rather see him in a comedic role like this one than another where he’s supposed to be the well-dressed rom-com lead. What say you, readers? Excited about the Easter Bunny’s sudden surge into the film world? Or should he stay in his rabbit hole where he belongs?

jaimebmurphy

Is Russell Brand really regarded as a legitimate filmstar in the US? In the UK he is more famous for his stand up comedy and tv presenting. Funny as he is surely he must stretch those acting chops at some time.

I wouldn't call him a “legitimate film star” quite yet, but audiences (myself included) seemed to love his ridiculous antics in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” I think you're right, though – we're all looking forward to seeing him take on a role that might require some more range from him.